This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome some of the cast from "Visions" a play about addiction and recovery. “Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs. Joining us on the show will be Andrew, Nate and Bob for the full hour. Be sure to catch the full interview LIVE on Talk Recovery 's Facebook page at 12-1pm PST. Show will be played on CO-OP Radio 100.5fm the next week.

“Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs.

“Visions” has reached tens of thousands of people. The “Visions” troupe performs where few actors would ever dare, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, shelters, youth houses and correction centers. The cast and crew set up amidst the cafeterias, beds and conference rooms of treatment centers using the powerful medium of theater to educate about drug/alcohol addiction and show that recovery is possible. In the wake of the play the cast and crew of “Visions” are witnessing men and women, many who are caught in the wake of addiction, weeping after the performances, for they are given a renewed sense of hope. These special performances are usually “closed” to protect the anonymity of the clients. When the opportunity arises and we are able to acquire a large area with a stage for a performance, the clients are bused in from various rehabilitation centers and shelters and treated to a free night of theater, coffee and cake. It is not unusual to bring in four to five hundred people to witness a “Visions” show. If we can’t come to them, we bring them to us.

The play has also been presented to churches, schools and those at risk. It has been shown to educators and open to communities. There is rarely a fee to see the play, except to raise money for charitable organizations, and any donations received are used to bring the play to those who have nothing. to continue our work in the prevention field a not for profit organization, Visions Recovery Inc was formed in 1993 dedicated to substance abuse prevention and recovery education.

Visions Social Media

Website | Facebook

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two guests, first on the show is Kevin Kraussler, a person in recovery who is a registered clinical counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic, he is going to share how he helps people who struggle with addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. Second on the show Franky shares his personal story of being a gay man in recovery who is settling in Canada from Mexico. Franky will talk about his journey in recovery and what he does to enjoy his life in recovery. Join us for the full hour from 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio Facebook page.

Guest one

Born and raised in Vancouver’s lower mainland, Kevin Kraussler is a compassionate and experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic. He completed his Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of British Columbia.

Kevin's approach to therapy is client-centered and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. He has a wide range of experience helping clients with a variety of issues, including addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. As a person in recovery, Kevin brings a unique perspective to his work and incorporates his personal experience with addiction to complement his professional training.

If you're looking for a therapist who is both empathetic and knowledgeable, Kevin can provide you with the guidance and support you need to overcome life's challenges.

Our team has been handpicked as the best trauma therapists throughout the Lower Mainland. We work together to ensure you receive the latest in psychological research, counselling techniques, and transparent care. We define trauma as any life circumstances that have negatively changed the way you see the world. We are the people you can talk to about anything.

Skylark Social Media

Website | Facebook |Instagram

Guest 2

Franklin is a person in long term recovery who moved to Canada from Mexico. He is part of the LGBT community in Vancouver and is very entusiastic in the recovery community helping with many events as a volunteer. Hear Franky's story live this week on Talk Recovery.

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday March 30th @12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Andy C a person in long term recovery and author of multiple books joins us to talk about Meditation and Addiction Recovery. Catch the whole show on our Facebook page LIVE from 12-1pm PST.

About Andy

My name is Andy C., and I am an alcoholic. I have been sober since November 3rd, 1977. I am sponsored, have sponsees, am involved in service work and use the Steps. In keeping with our traditions and principles of anonymity, I have not published my last name. But I am eager to engage with you. Send me a note by clicking on the ‘message’ button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can. You know you are in AA when you don’t know the last names of all your best friends. There can be too much anonymity. The apocryphal story of the guy showing up at the hospital admission desk asking for “Big Mike from the Monday night meeting” is a story that shows the problem with too much anonymity. We are not a secret society; we are an anonymous society. So, feel free to contact me. I will reply.

Andy's Books

“Gems: Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”

Where did these GEMS come from? When I am listening to fellow alcoholics share at Meetings, I take notes. Not transcriptions, just notes of things that catch my attention. By jotting a reminder, I can later recall the thought. One night, my sponsor asked me, “what do you do with your notes?” “I keep them and reread them, often the next morning during my morning quiet time,” I replied. “They bring to mind the wisdom and humor that I heard. I meditate on the comments and see the insights that I missed. I feel grateful all over again… then I throw them away.” “You should write your thoughts down and share them,” he said, “you might have some fun and it might do some good.” So I started writing my meditations. In the beginning, I only shared them with my sponsees, who passed the notes to their sponsees, and then others in the Program. A couple of the recipients, involved in treatment centers with newsletters, reposted them in their newsletters and websites. They seemed to attract attention, so I started a website the4thdimension.ca and posted them online. One day I thought, “maybe a book is a good idea.” 

“More Gems: A Second Volume of Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”

My wife and I were walking together. I glanced at my watch as we walked along the boardwalk and took note of the time. Two steps later, she asked, “what time is it?” I could not remember; I had just looked at my watch, noted the time, but I could not recall it when asked. I had to look again. Memory is strange. I look at my watch and immediately forget the time. I hear shares at AA meetings and admire the insights, but they slip from my mind. Likewise, wisdom seen in AA conversations evaporates within minutes. These books, GEMS and More GEMS, catch and retain AA shares at meetings and thoughts that come up in conversations. We can recall the wit and wisdom and feel the love of AA meetings and conversations. Each of these GEMS is an AA share or thought among people recovering or recovered from a seemingly hopeless condition of mind and body. They are worth remembering. 

“Still More Gems: 12 Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts”

Discover the power of recovery and spiritual growth through Still More GEMS: 12-Step Meeting Shares, Notes and Thoughts. Written by alcoholic old-timer Andy C., this helpful guide provides readers with a collection of meditations on recovery in the 12-Step Recovery Community. Deepen Recovery with Still More GEMS, 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts This powerful collection of reflections and insights offers a unique look at the spiritual growth that happens in 12-step programs together with ways to support and foster it. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone in recovery.